Keep in mind that you're a novice lifter for a longer period of time than you think you are. Novice lifting can last anywhere from a few months to a year or two, depending on how hard you hit the weights and where you started.

Once you've reached the point where you don't make regular progress on the SS program, you are ready to move on to the intermediate stage, which can last you for a good number of years. Find it HERE:

If you're a very advanced lifter (many, many years of CONSISTENT weight training), then there are lot of programs out there, and which one you pick is simply a matter of preference. If you're really that advanced, you should know what works for you and what doesn't by this point.

Anyone here have any experience with costochondritis (inflammation of the sternum)? I began Starting Strength back in January and was progressing with it until I began to have some pain on the right side of my sternum. I figured I tweak something in my chest so I shut it down for several weeks. Once it subsided I got back into my routine and it came back immediately.

I had my doctor look at it and basically diagnosed it by process of elimination, no cardiac issues, no stress fracture, just inflammation. From what I'm reading online, it looks like I may have to shut it down (chest) for 5 months or so. Sucks, I hope this is something that rest can take care of and it isn't a recurring issue.

You might try some alternative medicine, like a chiro. I used to make fun of those guys, and I still do on some things, but I have gotten some useful rehab out of their suggestions from time to time.

I'm a firm believer in chiro. I rolled over last night and it took my breath away, I'm afraid a chiro would wreck my shit. My plan is rest, a NSAID, anti-inflammatory food intake, and some stretching. I'll try yoga, acupuncture and meditation if it helps.

Having serious elbow pain from going heavy on deadlifts. Going to have to work on my form, evidently, but this shit is freaking agonizing. First thing I'm going to try is to face that hands' grip inwards toward me instead of out. See if that helps. If that gives no relief, I may have to back off for a while to recover.

Sucks, because I've been making a lot of progress on deads and really enjoying it.

__________________In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.
- H. L. Mencken

Having serious elbow pain from going heavy on deadlifts. Going to have to work on my form, evidently, but this shit is freaking agonizing. First thing I'm going to try is to face that hands' grip inwards toward me instead of out. See if that helps. If that gives no relief, I may have to back off for a while to recover.

Sucks, because I've been making a lot of progress on deads and really enjoying it.

switch to hook grip, double overhand or just use straps. No point in using a mixed grip unless your getting ready for a meet. Are you always using the same grip or do you switch what hand pronates each set?

switch to hook grip, double overhand or just use straps. No point in using a mixed grip unless your getting ready for a meet. Are you always using the same grip or do you switch what hand pronates each set?

I've been using the same grip everytime. I realize, now, that this was a mistake. I'm definitely going double overhand or hook because it's my underhand grip arm that hurts. I think I'm probably not letting it hang completely straight when I'm pulling.

__________________In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.
- H. L. Mencken

I've been using the same grip everytime. I realize, now, that this was a mistake. I'm definitely going double overhand or hook because it's my underhand grip arm that hurts. I think I'm probably not letting it hang completely straight when I'm pulling.

your probably right. Like I said I dont even used mixed anymore. I use double overhand w/chalk then use straps when I hit the weight I want to work with.

Having serious elbow pain from going heavy on deadlifts. Going to have to work on my form, evidently, but this shit is freaking agonizing. First thing I'm going to try is to face that hands' grip inwards toward me instead of out. See if that helps. If that gives no relief, I may have to back off for a while to recover.

Sucks, because I've been making a lot of progress on deads and really enjoying it.

I did. My original goal was to get off my fat a** and finish a 5k under 30 minutes. I got that one quick. The next was to do a 10k in under 1 hour. I got that one too, just recently. Started running in late August, have lost 40+ lbs already.